To assess Washington’s chances at Nebraska, let’s first see what it learned from Game 1 to Game 2 this season.

After allowing more than 500 yards and 473 passing yards to Eastern Washington, the Huskies were determined to improve on “D” but had a tougher test against a potent Hawaii offense. Washington absolutely passed. It held Bryant Moniz to 333 yards, a big number but a vast improvement over Week 1.

UW Huskies vs. Cornhuskers Week 3 Preview

The Huskies were also stingy against the run, holding the Warriors to 55 yards on 22 attempts. Through two weeks, UW’s 43 rushing yards allowed per contest rank it seventh in the nation.

Washington’s offense looked steady and balanced last week, Keith Price followed up his three-touchdown debut with 315 yards, four touchdowns and one interception on 18 of 25 (72 per cent) passing. If he keeps up efforts like those, people will forget about Jake Locker in a hurry.

Chris Polk was steady as ever in the backfield, running for 107 yards on 22 totes.

To hang in against Nebraska, UW’s stout run “D” must hold up again. The Cornhuskers ran for 219 yards last week; quarterback Taylor Martinez hasn’t excelled as a thrower but ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns against Fresno State.

Also, don’t be surprised if Polk has a bigger role this week.

Nebraska looked vulnerable versus the run in Week 2, so the Huskies may see if Polk can find some lanes.

More because of their power running game than anything else, Nebraska is a justified favorite this week. But an upset wouldn’t be unheard of.

The Huskies’ greatest strength happens to be stopping the run so far; if they can find a way to contain Martinez, this game might get very interesting.